While chatting with TooFab ahead of Thursday’s season finale, The Pitt actress Shabana Azeez — who plays the role of 20-year-old medical student Victoria Javadi — reflected on the overwhelming love from fans for the show. She became emotional as she shared her thoughts on how medical professionals have responded to the series, marking a poignant moment in the conversation.

Along with the show’s distinctive format — where each episode encapsulates an entire shift — a weekly release schedule that includes primetime and streaming options, and stellar performances by the cast (including lead actor Noah Wyle, who is also a writer and executive producer), this Max drama has garnered praise within the medical community for its remarkable accuracy. It not only authentically portrays the challenges of emergency medicine but also sheds light on the numerous obstacles that medical professionals face in hospitals and within the broader healthcare landscape today.

According to Azeez, who hails from Adelaide, Australia, she sensed that The Pitt would be “special” in more ways than one, contributing to its unique appeal.

“Being from Australia, I noticed that not many Australians engage with Australian television, so I was acutely aware that this would be a unique experience,” she shared with TooFab. “However, witnessing the shift in audience perception as people began to understand the show has been heartening. It seems that every hour, more individuals are becoming increasingly invested in it, developing empathy for the characters and recognizing the intricate political dynamics at play. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of this journey.”

When asked if there was a particular response from viewers or the medical field that stood out to her, Azeez mentioned that there have been “so many,” before she became emotional recalling an incident involving a charge nurse who was assaulted, mirroring a scene where Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital’s ER charge nurse Dana (Katherine LaNasa) is punched outside the hospital by a disgruntled patient named Doug Driscoll.

This incident serves as a pivotal moment, compelling her character to contemplate resigning from her position at the hospital due to the escalating violence faced by healthcare professionals.

“I was reading about a woman who described how she was punched while working as a charge nurse, and I can feel the tears coming,” Azeez shared with TooFab, her emotion palpable. “It was a shocking realization to think, ‘Wow, that really happened?’ This is something we all can resonate with, and we empathize with the character Doug Driscoll. The fact that such incidents occur in reality is heartbreaking… I can only imagine how distressing it must have been for her to witness that representation.”

She continued to share her reaction upon discovering an Instagram comment from a woman who candidly discussed her experience of returning home after a long, exhausting shift in the emergency department.

Azeez recounted, “I also remember seeing a lengthy comment on Instagram from a woman who shared how, after some shifts, she would immediately retreat to the bathtub, taking a moment to herself and momentarily stepping away from her children. Not out of neglect, but as a means to process her day and regain her composure before rejoining her family.” This highlights the emotional toll that medical professionals often bear.

“Her story really struck a chord with me,” she continued. “Working in this industry is genuinely challenging, especially in the emergency department where the wait times can be excruciating and people often express their frustration aggressively. Hearing these real-life stories is powerful. While the show presents dramatic elements, it’s vital to remember that these events are based on actual experiences. It’s fascinating to see a medical drama that reflects real-life struggles rather than merely sensationalized plots.”

Shifting to a lighter topic, Azeez also discussed Javadi’s budding relationship with ER nurse, Mateo Diaz (played by Jalen Thomas Brooks).

Fans will remember that Javadi — a socially awkward prodigy who graduated from college at the age of 13 — develops a crush on Mateo. Unfortunately, she finds herself in a series of awkward yet amusing situations when she attempts to approach him. Despite initial rejection, after a mass casualty incident, Mateo sits Javadi down, offers her a juice box, and affectionately calls her a “rock star,” before inviting her to join the team for drinks during the finale.

When asked if she believes these sweet moments hint at a potential romance between the two characters, Azeez enthusiastically replied, “I think for Javadi… any little hint makes her think, ‘It’s happening!’”

“In fact, Jalen even sent me a fan edit of our characters this morning,” she shared with excitement. “Fans have even created a hashtag #Mavadi, and I’m genuinely rooting for their connection to blossom!”

“I also think that Javadi is likely inexperienced in romantic relationships; she’s never had a boyfriend or a partner before,” Azeez elaborated. “Her lack of dating experience means that every little interaction feels monumental. I would love to see her grow socially in this aspect.”

“I’m all in favor of this relationship!” she exclaimed, noting that she perceives some chemistry from Mateo during their interactions in the final two episodes. This adds an intriguing layer to their character development.

Another unique aspect of The Pitt that differentiates it from other medical dramas is its commitment to featuring a diverse cast. Azeez is among several South Asian actresses who shine in this series, along with Supriya Ganesh, who plays third-year resident Dr. Samira Mohan, Deepti Gupta, portraying Javadi’s mother Dr. Eileen Shamsi, and Sasha Bhasin, who appears in multiple episodes as a beauty influencer named Nandi.

Azeez expressed to TooFab how fulfilling it feels to be part of a show that showcases such rich diversity.

“It’s comforting to know that you’re not alone in your experiences,” she remarked. “Especially in today’s climate where public perception can vary greatly and people are treated differently based on various factors. Having someone like Supriya, a sister figure navigating this journey together—through both the highs and lows—is incredibly special, and I never take that for granted.”

“In the real world, John [Wells] and [showrunner and creator R. Scott Gemmill] and the powers that be could have made different casting decisions. They could have opted for two actresses who look alike, but instead, they embraced our differences, celebrating our unique backgrounds,” she added. “This choice not only enhances the viewer’s experience but is also deeply meaningful for us as actors. I feel truly grateful for this opportunity.”

The Pitt premiered in January and was renewed for a second season just a month later. The highly anticipated second season is set to commence filming this summer and is expected to premiere a year after Season 1, coinciding with the Fourth of July weekend.

When asked what she envisions for Javadi’s character in Season 2, Azeez remarked, “Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. They keep me in the dark about these details. I’ve seen a lot of tweets begging for her to enter dermatology, and I’m like, ‘No! I need a job! They aren’t making a show about the dermatology department!’”

“I believe if [Javadi] remains [in the ED], I would like her to want to stay,” she added. “I feel she deserves to pursue her passion. She has spent so long doing what others expect of her, and I think that’s why the character of Mateo is so exciting to me. For the first time, she’s doing something that she genuinely wants, with no outside pressure.”

“I hope that she learns to embrace love—whatever path she chooses, I hope she invests herself fully because she’s destined to be an incredible doctor, no matter where her journey takes her,” Azeez expressed passionately.

Azeez also shared her thoughts on the pivotal moment when Javadi stood up to her mother, disclosed which medical jargon-filled line she found most challenging to pronounce in an American accent, and recounted how she fared against her co-stars in Mario Kart during filming.

Watch the full interview in the clips above!

Season 1 of The Pitt is currently available for streaming in its entirety on Max.